Absorbent Article With Narrow Polymeric Film And Opacity Strengthening Patch

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article may include a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The disposable absorbent article may include a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet comprising a polymeric film, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The polymeric film may be at least 20 mm more narrow than the chassis. An opacity strengthening patch may be disposed on the backsheet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 480,670, filed Apr. 29, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers having a narrow polymeric film in combination with an opacity strengthening patch. The absorbent article may have improved functional characteristics and communicative properties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It has long been known that absorbent articles such as conventional taped diapers offer the benefit of receiving and containing urine and / or other bodily exudates. To effectively contain exudates, the article should provide a snug fit around the waist and legs of a wearer. Absorbent articles are known to have a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core.[0004]The backsheet of absorbent articles may form the outer surface and generally includes two or more materials ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article that comprises a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region between the first and second waist regions, a first waist edge, a second waist edge, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge. The absorbent article may include a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet comprising a polymeric film, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The polymeric film layer may be more narrow than the chassis. The strength and opacity of the article may be supplemented by the use of and opacity strengthening patch, which reduces the amount of strain in the waist of the product during application and wear.

Problems solved by technology

Similarly, the polymeric film layer can provide opacity in the sides and waist region, so that the wearer's skin and / or exudates are not visible through the backsheet, resulting in a low quality appearance.

In these articles, the technique of creating a primary seal between the layers may be insufficient due to processing inconsistencies such as skips, web mis-tracking, or inconsistencies in materials, etc., resulting in bodily exudates occasionally passing through the seal, resulting in leakage.

The film material is more costly than nonwoven materials and can reduce breathability in the crotch region of the article leading to increased skin hydration and irritation.

Therefore, the more subsidiary seals needed, the wider the film material, and the more costly the design.

However, since the reliability of the primary seal is generally not sufficient to prevent leaks by itself, it is often necessary to maintain the subsidiary seals and the associated wider film layer, even at higher cost.

Images